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Ukraine's President Yanukovych meets two US senators

Senator McCain addressed Ukrainians camped on Kiev's main square protesting against Mr Yanukovich's U-turn in trade policyStreet protests started after the 21 November decision by President Viktor Yanukovych to walk away from a trade pact with the EU at the last minute and seek closer ties with RussiaContinuing anti-government mass protests in central Kiev on Friday: huge crowds expected today with a counter rally alsoUkraine which has serious economic problems has been seeking deals from both Moscow and Brussels but has come under intense pressure from Moscow to abandon the talks with the EU and opt for closer ties with Russia instead

President Viktor Yanukovych held a meeting with visiting US senators John McCain and Christopher Murphy in Kiev.

Mr Yanukovych is due to make to Moscow next Tuesday to tie up trade agreements with the Kremlin.

The move is to help the distressed Ukrainian economy, but which the opposition fears will slam the door on integration with the European mainstream.

The opposition fear he may take the first steps towards joining a Moscow-led customs union.